Microsoft’s new “always updated” model means that Windows 10 PCs will install Windows Updates automatically, and will also automatically reboot to apply updates.

If you like to leave certain programs running on your PC 24/7 (like Virtual Machines) or have work in progress most of the time, or just want to control when reboots occur (after all, it’s YOUR computer) – see steps abelow.

If you’re running Windows 10 Home Edition, Microsoft says you’re screwed and that there is no way to defer reboots (but below is a hack to get it working on Home edition).

If you have Windows 10 Pro, no hacks are needed, just run “gpedit.msc”, and go to: